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REPORT 



JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEE 

OF THE ,GOMiiON COUNCIL, 



APPOINTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS 



RZ3CEPTION 



MAJOR GENERAL SCOTT, 



ON HIS RETURN FROM MEXICO, 



$0 tenkr to Ijim tl]c ijospitalitics of tijc (fitj). 




NEW YORK : 

McSpedon & Baker, Printers to the Common Council 
1849. 



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6- 



REPORT OF THE JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEE 

OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, 

APPOINTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS 
FOR THE RECEPTION OF 

MAJOR GENERAL SCOTT, 

On his retain from Mexico, and to tender to him the hospitalities of the City. 



At the meeting of the Board of Aldermen, on the 15th 
of May, 1848, the following- message was received from 
his Honor, Mayor Havemeyer, communicating- the intelli- 
gence that Major General Scott was daily expected at 
this port, on his return from Mexico, to wit: 

Mayor's Office, ) 

New York, May 15th, 1848. ^ 

To the Hon. the Common Council : 

Gentlemen : — Information has been communicated to 
me that Major General Winfield Scott, embarked on 
the 30th ult., for this port, and he may, therefore, be daily 
expected. 

In view of the great and important services rendered to 
our country by this distinguished commander, during the 
recent campaign in Mexico, I deem it my duty to make 
this communication, and to submit the propriety of receiv- 
ing him in a manner commensurate with a proper appre- 
ciation of his gallant achievements, and those of his com- 
panions in arms. 

W. F. HAVEMEYER, Mayor. 



Whereupon the following- preamble and resolution 
were submitted by Alderman Crolius, in relation thereto: 

Whe7^eaSy Information has been received that Major 
General Winfield Scott, of the United States Army, has 
taken passage from Vera Cruz to this port, and 

Whereas, The citizens of New York would gladly wel- 
come the hero who, from Lundy's Lane to the City of the 
Montezumas, has covered the flag of his country with im- 
perishable honor, winning for himself a fame which will 
perish only when a grateful country shall cease to exist, 
and 

Whereas, It is proper that the gallant soldier should be 
received in a manner commensurate with his own merits, 
and the estimation in which we, as American citizens, hold 
his faithful, arduous and valuable services in the late cam- 
paign in Mexico, through which he has passed so glorious- 
ly, therefore. 

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to make suit- 
able arrangements for the reception of General Scott, and to 
tender to him, on his arrival, the hospitalities of the City. 

The same were unanimously adopted by the Board of 
Aldermen, 

And Aldermen Crolius, Maynard Hatfield, Smith and 
Gray were appointed such Committee on the part thereof. 

To which the President, Morris Franklin, Esq., was 
added. 

They were received the same evening by the Board of 
Assistant Aldermen, and having been unanimously con- 
curred in. 



Assistant Aldermen Fream, Schultz, Paxton, Britton and 
Sutton, were appointed the Committee on the part of said 
Board. 

And the President thereof, Wilson Small, Esq., was 
added thereto. 

The preamble and resolution were subsequently ap- 
proved on the 16th May, by his Honor tlie Mayor. 

Tlie Committee met from time to time, in order to make 
and complete the necessary arrangements for the propos- 
ed reception, Major General Sandford, Brigadier Generals 
Storms, Hall, Morris and Ewen, Col. Crane and Major 
Raines of the U. S. Army, Captain Hudson and Command- 
er McKeever of the Navy, and John C. Hamilton, Esq., a 
personal friend of General Scott, being on invitation of the 
Committee, present at several of their meetings. 

The Committee having been informed by Mr. Hamilton, 
that it was the intention of General Scott to repair immedi- 
ately to his home at Elizabethtown, without stopping in 
the City, — it was, after consultation, determined that the 
Committee would, on being informed of his arrival there, 
wait upon him in a body, in company with several of his 
personal friends, and urge upon him the propriety of his 
accepting the invitation to visit and receive the hospitali- 
ties of our City. 

On Sunday the 21st of May, General Scott arrived in the 
brig " Petersburgh," and immediately proceeded to Eliza- 
bethtown. 

On the following day the Committee repaired in a 
body to the residence of the General, where they were most 



6 



kindly received, and communicated to him the object of 
their visit. 

The invitation extended by the Common Council through 
your Committee having" been accepted by General Scott, 
they returned to the City on the same day. 

The succeeding Thursday was fixed upon as the day for 
the reception, and the Committee proceeded to complete 
the arrangements for the same. 

It was subsequently determined that on that day the 
Common Council, with their invited guests, consisting of 
the Governor and Lieut. Governor of the State of New 
York, the various United States military and naval officers 
on this station, and at the time in the City, Foreign Con- 
suls, Members of Congress, of the State Senate and Assem- 
bly, heads of the various departments of the City Gov- 
ernment, and other distinguished citizens, would proceed 
from Castle Garden, on board of the steamboat to be pro- 
cured for the occasion, to Elizabeth-port, New Jersey, 
where they would receive on board, their distinguished 
guest. 

That immediately on his coming on board, he would be 
addressed, on the part of the Common Council, by Morris 
Franklin, Esq., President of the Board of Aldermen, and 
that after other ceremonies the boat would return to the 
City, and land at Castle Garden. 

That on the approach of the boat to the City, salutes 
would be fired from Fort Hamilton, Castle William, and 
the Battery. 



That on proceeding into the Garden, tiie Mayor of 
the Cit}^ would receive and welcome the General, and ex- 
tend to him, as Chief Magistrate, the hospitalities of the 
City. 

After which he would be escorted to the Battery by the 
Mayor and members of the Common Council, where he 
would review the military drawn up in line, under the 
command of Major General Sandford. 

The review being over, the military would form into col- 
umn, and march as an escort through the various streets 
of the City, to be designated as the line of march, to the 
City Hall, after which the General would be escorted to 
his quarters. 

In order the more fully to carry out these various ar- 
rangements, the following sub Committees were appointed, 
to wit : 

Messrs. Schultz and Fream for the purpose of providing 
the steamboat for the occasion. 

Messrs. Hatfield and Britton to obtain the necessary 
horses and equipments for General Scott and his aids. 

Messrs. Hatfield and Smith to provide and have charge 
of the carriages for the Common Council and their invited 
guests. 

Messrs. Smith and Small for the arrangements of the 
reception at Castle Garden, and 

Messrs. Gray, Franklin and Paxton for the selection of 
quarters for General Scott. 



8 

The arrangements of the Committee for the procession be- 
ing only for a military one, 

THE FOLLOWING OKDERS FROM THE VARIOUS 

COMMANDERS OF THE MILITARY, 

WERE LAID BEFORE THEM : 



FIRST DIVISION— NEW YORK STATE MILITIA. 



DIVISION ORDERS. 



New York, May 22, 1848. 

This Division will parade on Thursday next, the 25th 
inst., for the purpose of receiving Major General Winfield 
Scott, General-in-Chief of the United States Army, upon 
his return from his triumphant and brilliant campaign in 
Mexico, which has reflected the highest honors upon the 
military reputation of our country. 

The division line will be formed on the Battery, at a 
quarter before 2 o'clock, precisely. 

Brigadier General Hall, having reported for duty, will 
resume the command of the Third Brigade. 



The salute upon ihe landing- of Major General Scott, 
will be fired under the direction of Brig-adier General 
Morris. 



By order of 

Major General SANDFORD. 
R. C. Wetmore, Division Inspector. 



FIRST BRIGADE— NEW YORK STATE MILITIA. 



BRIGADE ORDERS. 



New York, May 22, 1848. 

Pursuant to the foregoing Division Orders, this Brigade 
will parade on Thursday next, completely armed and 
equipped, and with full battery. The brigade line will 
be formed at the Battery, at half-past one o*clock,v 
precisely. 

2 



10 

Th Brigade Staff will assemble at the Brigadier's quar- 
ters, 56 Franklin street, at one o'clock, precisely ; you 
are hereby requested to join them. 

By order of 

Brigadier General STORMS. 

J. A. BoGART, Brigade Major. 
H. J. Storms, Aid-de-Camp. 



SECOND BRIGADE— NEW YOM STATE MILITIA. 



BRIGADE ORDERS. 



New York, May 22, 1848. 

Pursuant to the foregoing Division Orders, this Brigade 
will parade on Thursday next, for the reception of 
Major General Scott. 

The line will be formed on the Battery, at half-past 1 
o'clock, precisely. 



11 

Colonel Yates will make requisition on the Commissary 
General, for amimition for the Major General's salute. 

By order of 

Brigadier General MORRIS. 
Brigade Major. 



THIRD BRIGADE— NEW YORK STATE MILITIA. 



BRIGADE ORDERS. 



New York, May 22, 1848. 

In compliance with the above Division Orders, this 
Brigade will parade on Thursday next, the 25th inst., for 
the purpose of receiving Major General Winfield Scott, 
on his return from Mexico. 

The line will be formed on the Battery, at half-past 1 
o'clock, P. M. 



12 

Brigade Staff will assemble at the General's quarters, at 
1 o'clock, precisely. 



By order of 



W. HALL, 

Brigadier General. 



Brigade Major. 



FOURTH BRIGADE— NEW YORK STATE MILITIA. 



BRIGADE ORDEHS. 



New York, May 22, 1848. 

In pursuance of Division Orders, the several Regiments 
of this Brigade will parade in full uniform, for the recep- 
tion of Major General Winfield Scott, on Thursday, May 

25, 1848. 

The brigade line will be formed in Washington Mili- 
tary Square, at 10 A. M. 



lo 

The Brigade Staff will appear in full uniform, and 
report at the General's quarters, 293 East Broadway, at 
half past 9 o'clock, A. M. 

By order of 

Brigadier General JOHN EWEN. 



N. Bergasse La Bau, A. D. C. 
R. Taylor, Brigade Major. 



FIRST REGIMENT— NEW YORK STATE MILITIA. 



REGIMENTAL ORDERS. 



New York, May 23, 1848. 

Pursuant to Brigade Orders, this Regiment will parade 
fully uniformed, armed and equipped as Horse Artillery, 
on Thursday next, the 25th inst. 



14 

The regimental line will form in Broome, the right on 
Elm street, at half past 12 o'clock, M., precisely. 

The Field and Staff Officers will assemble at the 
Colonel's quarters, at 12 o'clock, M. 

By order of 

JOHN STEWART, Col. 
Isaac 0. Hunt, Adjutant. 



SECOND REGIMENT— N. Y. STATE MILITIA. 



REGIMENTAL ORDERS. 



New York, May 23d, 1848. 

In compliance with Division and Brigade Orders of 22d 
inst., this Regiment is ordered to parade in full uniform, on 
Thursday, 25th inst. at 12 o'clock, precisely. 

The regimental line will be formed in Broome street, 
right on Mercer street. 



15 

Sergeant Thomas Thomas is appointed Assistant Ser- 
geant Major, in place of Sergeant Austen, whose time of 
service has expired, and who is honorably discharged from 
the service. 

A meeting of the officers of this Regiment will be held 
on Saturday evening, 26th inst., at half past 8 o'clock, at 
the Mercer house, corner of Mercer and Broome streets. 

By order of 

C. B. SPICER, Lt. Col. Commanding. 
W. M. PosTLEY, Adjutant. 
R. H. TiMPSON, Sergeant Major. 



liead Quarters, Third Regiment, (Cavalry) M. S. N. Y. 



REGIMENTAL ORDERS. 



New York, May 23, 1848. 

By Division Orders, this Regiment will parade on Thurs- 
day next, the 25th mst., forthe purpose of giving a military 
reception to Major General Winlield Scott, General-in- 
Chief of the United Slates Army, late returned from the 
brilliant scenes of Mexico. 



16 



The Reg-iment will form at 1 o'clockT. M., at St. John's 
Park, and immediately march therefrom to the Battery. 

By order of 

S. BROOKE POSTLEY, Col. 
Commanding Third Regiment M. S. N. Y. 
C. D. Stiles, Adjutant. 
Sergeant Major. 



EOUUTH REGIMENT— N. Y. STATE ARTILLERY. 



ORDERS No. 31. 



New York, May 23, 1848. 

In pursuance of Division and Brigade Orders, this Regi- 
ment will parade as cavalry and light artillery (the artil- 
lery, and field and staff, with white pantaloons) on Thurs- 
day, the 25th inst. 



17 

The line will be formed in White street, right on Broad- 
way, at 1 o'clock, P. M. 
«j 

Commissary General Stewart will furnish the ammuni- 
tion for a Major General's salute. 

By order of 

CHARLES YATES, Col, 

James P. Pond, Adjutant. 
H. Smith, Sergeant Major. 



FIFTH REGIMENT— NEW YORK STATE MILITIA. 



REGIMENTAL ORJ)ERS. 



New York, May 23, 1848. 

In pursuance of Division and Brigade orders, this Regi- 
ment will parade in full uniform, on Thursday, 25th inst,, 
to render military honors to Major General Winficld 
Scott. 

The regimental line will be formed in Broome street, 
right on Broadway, at a quarter before one o'clock, 
P. M. 

3 



18 

The colors will be escorted to the ground by Com- 
pany D. 

The Colonel will attend at the drill room, Centre 
market, on the 5th of June, at 4 o'clock, P. M., to hear 
appeals for delinquencies of non-commissioned officers, 
musicians and privates of this regiment, in relation to the 
above parade. 

By order of 

Colonel ANDREW WARNER. 

Samuel Coulter, Adjutant. 



GOVERNOR'S GUARD— SIXTH REGIMENT. 



SECOND BRIGADE— N. Y. S. MILITIA. 



Order No. 1. 

Head Quarters, 6th Regt. N. Y, S. M. } 
New York, May 23d, 1848. ^ 

* Pursuant to Brigade orders, this Regiment will parade in 
full uniform, (white pantaloons,) on Thursday, 25th inst., 
on occasion of the reception of Major General Scott. 



19 

The regimental line will be formed on the parade 
ground, Broome street. Company reports will be made 
to the Adjutant, at half-past 12, precisely, at the parade 
ground. 

The color bearer and general guides will receive the 
colors at Military Hall, at 12 o'clock. 

The staff, and also the band, will report to the Com- 
mandant at his quarters, at 12 o'clock. 

By order of 

Major THOMAS D. SMITH. 

Wm. O. Dunham, Acting Adjutant. 



SEVENTH REGIMENT— N. Y. STATE MILITIA. 



NATIONAL GUARD— REGIMENTAL ORDER. 



New York, May 22, 1848. 

Colonel Bremner having this day been relieved of the 
command of the Third Brigade, feels much satisfaction in 
returning to the Regiment. 



/ 



20 

In compliance with Division and Brigade Orders, this 
Regiment will parade on Thursday, the 25th inst., full}'' 
uniformed, armed, and equipped, (with white pants, and 
without knapsacks,) for the purpose of receiving Major 
General Winfield Scott, the General-in-Chief of the 
United States Army, on his return from his brilliant and 
successful campaign in Mexico. 

The line will form in front of the City Hall, at quarter 
before 1 o'clock, P. M. 

By order of 

Colonel BREMNER. 

J. L. Morgan, Adjutant. 



HEAD QUARTERS, EIGHTH REGIMENT, N. Y. S. M. 



WASHINGTON GREYS— ORDER No. 8 



New York, May 23, 1848. 

The Regiment will parade in full uniform, with white 
pantaloons, and without knapsacks, on Thursday, the 26th 



21 

inst., for the purpose of receiving" Major General Scott, on 
his return from his brilliant campaign in Mexico. 

The line will be formed in Bleecker street, to the east 
of, and right on Broadway, at 12 o'clock, M., precisely. 
Capt. Lyons, with his command, will receive the colors at 
the Colonel's quarters, 37 Bleecker street, at quarter before 
12 o'clock. 

By order of 

Colonel J. W. STILES. 

James Henry Dyer, Acting Adjutant. 
John V. Harriott, Sergeant Major. 



HEAD QUARTERS— NINTH REGIMENT, N. Y. S. M. 



ORDER No, 13. 



New York, May 23, 1848. 

For the purpose of receiving with military honors, the 
illustrious hero and commander, Major General Winfield 



22 

Scott, and in accordance with Division and Brig'ade orders, 
this Regiment will parade, fully uniformed, armed and 
equipped, (grey pants,) on the regimental parade ground, 
Broome street, right resting on Broadway, on Thursday, 
the 25th of May inst. 

Regimental line wdll be formed at 12 o'clock, M. 

The Commandant of each company is directed, at each 
roll call on the day of parade, to read or cause to be read, 
to his company, the following notice ; and also to have 
the same printed in his company order. The command- 
ing officer of this regiment, in accordance with the 
statute in such case made and provided, gives notice, that 
he will attend at the Military Hall, No. 193 Bowery, 
in the City of New York, on Thursday, the 8th day of 
June next, at 8 o'clock, P. M., and will then and there 
hear all appeals that may be made to him for the remis- 
sion of any penalty incurred by any non-commissioned 
officer or private under his command. 

Lieutenant Colonel Ferris will assume the command of 
the regiment on the day of the above parade. 



By order of 



E. JESUP, Jr., 

Colonel 9th Regiment, 
N. Y. S. M. 



S. Van Winkle, Adjutant. 



211 
TENTH REGIMENT— NEW YORK STATE MILITIA. 



REGIMENTAL ORDER. 



New York, May 23, 1848. 

Pursuant to Division and Brigade orders of the 22d inst., 
this Regiment will parade fully uniformed and equipped, 
with white pantaloons and without knapsacks, on Thurs- 
day next, the 25th inst., in honor of Major General Win- 
field Scott. 

The regimental line will be formed on Washington mil- 
itary square, at half past 10 o'clock, A. M. 

Captain James R. Dodge will act as Adjutant. 

The commandant of the regiment gives notice that he 
will attend at Military Hall, No. 193 Bowery, on Wednes- 
da)^, the 31st inst., at 8 o'clock, P. M., and will then and 
there hear all appeals that may be made to him for the 
remission of any penalty incurred by any non-commis- 
sioned officer or private of said companies. 

The captain of each company is directed at each roll 
call, to read or cause to be read, the above notice to his 
company. 

By order of 

Col. WILLIAM HALSEY. 



24 
ELEVENTH REGIMENT— N. Y. STATE MILITIA. 



WASHINGTON GUARD— ORDER No. 9. 



Head Quarters, City of New York, ) 
May 23, 184S. I 

This Regiment is ordered to parade in full uniform, 
(white pantaloons) on Thursday, the 25th inst. The line 
will be formed at lOi o'clock, A. M., precisely, in Lafay- 
ette place, right on Great Jones street. 

By order of 

Col. ROBERT C. MORRIS. 

John P. Prall, Adjutant. 



TWELFTH REGIMENT— N. Y. STATE MILITIA. 



ORDER No. 6. 



New York, May 23, 1848. 
Pursuant to Division and Brigade orders, this Regiment 
will parade fully armed and equipped (dark pantaloons,) 



25 

on Thursday the 25th inst., to unite with our fellow citi- 
zens in a demonstration of regard for the valuable services 
of the Commander-in-Chief of the American army in 
Mexico. 

The regimental line will be formed in Bond street, right 
on Broadway, at 12 o'clock A. M. precisely. 

In accordance with the requirements of sections 30 and 
31, of the act organizing the First Division of the N. Y. 
State Militia, the commandants of companies will make 
their returns for the said parade, to the commanding 
officer of the regiment, on or before the 3d day of June 
next. 

The commandant will hear appeals for the remission of 
any penalty or fine, incurred by any non-commissioned 
officer or private belonging to his command, at the 
Branch Hotel, 36 Bowery, on Monday, the 12th day of 
June next, at 8 o'clock P. M. 

By order of 

JONAS BARTLETT, Major, 

Commanding Twelfth Regiment. 



John Keeler, Adjutant. 



26 

The various arrangements for the occasion being nearly 
completed, and the several sub-committees having submit- 
ted their reports, 

Messrs. Franklin and Smith were appointed a sub-com- 
mittee to prepare a full programme of arrangements for 
the proposed reception. 

The programme not being yet fully arranged^ the fol- 
lowing notice was inserted in the evening papers of 
Wednesday, the 24th inst : 



-^4%^»^ 



Reception of Major General Scott by the Munici- 
pal Authorities of the City of New York. — It is ex- 
pected that Major General Scott, accompanied by his staff, 
will arrive in this City, by way of Elizabethtown Point, 
New Jersey, at or about the hour of 2 o'clock P. M., on 
Thursday, the 25th inst., landing at Castle Garden. 

A full programme of the arrangements will be published 
in the morning papers. 

If the weather should prove to be inclement the flags 
will not be hoisted at the City Hall, which will be con- 
sidered a signal that the reception will not take place un- 
til further notice. 



CLARKSON CROLIUS, 



Chairman of Joint Special Committee. 



07 



The sub-Committee on the Programme subsequently 
reported the following, which being adopted was published, 
under the direction of the Joint Special Committee, in the 
several morning papers : 

PROGRAMME OF ARRANGEMENTS 



RECEPTION 



MAJOR GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT, 



Municipal Authorities of the City of New York, 

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEE APPOINTED 
FOR THAT PURPOSE. 



The Common Council with their invited guests, and the 
Heads of Departments of the City, will embark on Thurs- 
day, 25th inst., in the steamboat St. Nicholas, (which has 
been politely tendered for the occasion,) from Castle Gar- 
den, at 11 o'clock A. M. precisely, and proceed directly 
to Elizabethport, where they will receive their distin- 
guished guest, who will there be addressed by Morris 
Franklin, Esq., President of the Board of Aldermen, on 
the part of the Common Council. 



28 



The boat will then return to the City, and arrive at 
Castle Garden at or about 2 o'clock, P. M. 

On entering the Bay, national salutes will be fired from 
the several military posts in the harbor. 

On the arrival at Castle Garden, his Honor the Mayor 
will be in attendance to receive the General as the guest 
of the City. 

The ceremonies of reception being concluded, the Gen- 
eral and his Staff will be received by a Guard of Honor, 
and escorted to review the line formed upon the Battery, 
imder the direction of Major General Sandford. After the 
review the line will break into column, and take up its 
niarch in the following order: 

tl)£ Jtrst JBbiBion of ^ctD 13ork State iHilitia, 

UNDER THE COIOIAND OF 

MAJOR GENERAL SANDFORD, 

acting; as the escort to 

MAJOR GENERAL SCOTT, 

IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER : 

THE FIR8T BRIGADE, 

UNDER THE COMMAND OF 

BRIGADIER GENERAL STORMS. 
THE iSECONH BRKi^ADE, 

UNDER THE CO^IirHAND OF 

BRIGADIER GENERAL MORRIS. 



29 
THE THIRD BRIGADE, 

UNDER THE COMMAND OF 

BRIGADIER GENERAL HALL. 
THE FOURTH BRIGADE, 

UNDER THE COMJIAND OF 

BRIGADIER GENERAL EWEN. 

THE CIVIC PROCESSION FORMED AS FOLLOWS : 

(ffje-|]re0iknt of tlje Unltci) 6tatts, 

GOVERNOR AND LT. GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, 

Senators and Representatives in Congress, 

SENATORS OF THIS STATE. MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY. 

Officers of tlie Army and Navy of tlic Ujiited States. 

Joint Special Committee of the Common Council. 

his hoivor the mayor, 

Members of the Common Council of the City of New York. 

Heads of Departments of the City Government. 

Collector of the Port of New York. 

Surveyor of the Port of New YorkJJy Naval Officer. 

Postmaster of the City of New York. 

U. S. District Attorney. 

Marshal of the L^nited States for this District. 

Citizens in carriages and on iiorseback. 



30 



THE LINE OF BIARCH WILL BE AS FOLLOWS : 

Up Broadway to Chatham street; through Chatham street 
to the Bowery ; up the Bowery to Astor place ; thence to 
Broadway ; down Broadway to Chambers street, when 
the military will halt and form line, and the Common 
Council, with their guests, will pass through Chambers 
street and enter the Park by the east gate, to the City Hall, 
where a marching salute will be paid to their distinguished 
guest. 

The ceremonies being concluded, the Guard of Honor 
will escort the General to his quarteib. 



Committee of Board of Aldermen : 



CLARKSON CROLIUS, 
MOSES MAYNARD, Jr., 
NIEL GRAY, 



AMOS F. HATFIELD, 
WASHINGTON SMITH, 
MORRIS FRANKLIN. 



Committee of Board 0/ Assistant Aldermen : 



WILLIAM W. FREAM, 
ALEX. H. SCHULTZ, 
NATHAN A. SUff ON, 



JOSEPH BRITTON, 
JOHN R. PAXTON, 
WILSON SMALL. 



If the weather should prove inclement, the flags will not 
be hoisted on the City Hall, which will be considered a 
signal that the reception will not take place until further 
notice. 



THE DAY 

Was a most auspicious one. The sun shone from a sky 
unobscured with a single cloud, and long before the hour 
fixed for the arrival, the several streets through which the 
procession was to pass, were filled with a dense crowd of 
citizens and strangers eager to behold, and to receive with 
shouts of welcome, the gallant Hero on his return from the 
scenes of his brilliant triumphs in Mexico. 

During the day cannon were fired from the Battery and 
other places, the national flag floated from the City Hall, 
and from the several public buildings in the City, while 
colors and streamers waved from the numerous shipping 
in the port. 

The steamboat " St. Nicholas," which was generously 
tendered for the occasion, by Isaac Newton, Esq., was at 
Castle garden pier at the appointed hour, gaily decked 
with flags, and the Common Council, with their invited 
guests, among whom were the Governor of the State, Sen- 
ators and Representatives in Congress, Officers of the 
Army and Navy, Foreign Consuls, ex-Mayors of the City, 
members of the State Senate and Assembly, Heads of 
Departments of the City Government, principal officers of 
the General Government in the City, and a number of 
other distinguished citizens and strangers, having pro- 
ceeded on board, she shoved off, and was soon on her way 
for Elizabethport. 

Passing down the harbor, to and through the Kills, the 
boat reached Elizabethport at about 12 o'clock M., and 



32 

came to the wliarf under a salute fired from a field piece 
onboard, furnished by Commissary General Stewart, of the 
City Arsenal. 

Immediately after arriving, the General was seen aproach- 
ing- towards the wharf, escorted by the Mayor and Corpo- 
ration of Elizabeth-town, together with a large concourse 
of the citizens of the place. 

Arrived at the wharf, he was received by the Commit- 
tee of Arrangements, to whom he was presented by Mayor 
Sanderson, of Elizabethtown, who delivered on the occa- 
sion the following 

ADDRESS : 

Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Common 
Council of New York : On behalf of the corporate 
authorities and people of the borough of Elizabeth, I have 
the pleasure of committing to your charge our most 
eminent and distinguished citizen. General Winfield Scott. 

We rejoice with the joy of friends in every manifestation 
of respect and gratitude towards one for whom, ever and 
above the estimate which, in common with the whole 
Nation, we put upon the unsurpassed brilliancy of his 
public services, we, as neighbors, townsmen and friends, 
entertain the wannest feelings of personal attachment. 

Take him with you, gentlemen, to your metropolis, pre- 
sent him to your fellow-citizens, honor him as you know 
how to honor a well deserving patriot and soldier, well 
assured that every cheer which within your confines, shall 
greet our townsmen, and your honored guest, will find an 



33 

echo in the hearts of Americans everywhere, and tend 
more and more to cement a feeling of common pride in, 
and attachment to our common country, and its great and 
heroic names — a feeling which is at once the bond and 
strength of the glorious union that makes us one people. 

Mr. President and gentlemen, I present you General 
Winfield Scott. 



-►-►*' 4-« - 



The cheering which succeeded this address having sub- 
sided, the General w'as escorted to the forward deck of the 
boat by Aldermen Crolius, Schultz and Smith, where he 
was presented to Morris Franklin, Esq., President of the 
Boardof Aldermen, amid the continued huzzas of those 
assembled on board. 

Mr. Franklin addressed the General in behalf of the 
Common Council, as follows : 

General Scott : Among the many duties which devolve 
upon the Common Council of our City, there are none 
which commend themselves more strongly to our feelings 
than that of extending the rights of hospitality to distin- 
guished strangers, and assuring them of a sincere and cor- 
dial welcome. Under the influence of such feelings, and 
animated by the approving voice of our united population, 
we tender to you a cordial invitation to become the guest 
of our City, and assure you of our hearty congratulations, 
that, after the perils and dangers to which you have been 
exposed, you are permitted again to mingle with your 
fellow citizens in the enjoyment of that social intercourse 
which the life of a soldier so peculiarly qualifies him to 
appreciate and enjoy. ^ 

5 



34 

In contemplating upon the thrilling- events which have 
characterized your history, we find so much to excite our 
admiration, and to call into action the patriotic emotions 
of the heart, that we feel proud, as American citizens, that 
among the many illustrious names which now are, or may 
hereafter be emblazoned upon the escutcheons of our 
country, yours will appear in bold relief, as among her 
noblest and most honored sons; for whether upon the 
plains of Chippewa, or Lundy's Lane — whether at the 
sortie of Fort Erie, or on the heights of Queenstown — 
whether landing on the shores of Vera Cruz, or bravely 
contending at the pass of Cerro Gordo — whether entering 
in triumph the capital of Mexico, and there planting the 
American standard upon its battlements — whether in the 
warriors' tent, at the solemn hour of midnight, arranging 
the operations of the coming day, while your faithful sol- 
diers were slumbering around you, dreaming of their friends 
and their homes — or whether attending upon the wounded, 
the dying and the dead, regardless of yourself in your 
anxiety for others — we find all those characteristics which 
mark the true dignity of man, and bespeak the accom- 
plished and victorious chieftain. 

Under circumstances such as these, and fresh from the 
well fought battle-fields of our country, we now welcome 
you within our midst, as one worthy to receive and forever 
wear that victorious wreath which the American people 
have entwined to decorate and adorn your brow ; and we 
cannot omit upon this occasion to bear our testimony to 
the valor, bravery and skill displayed by that noble band 
of our adopted fellow citizens, who, side by side, with the 
natives of our soil, stood bravely by the common standard 



35 

of our country, or fell nobly struggling in its defence. 
Peace be to the ashes of those who thus sacrificed their 
lives, for they died as brave men love to die, lighting the 
battles of their country, and expiring in the very arms of 
victory. 

To you sir, who have been so long familiar with the 
exciting scenes of a military life, tame indeed will be 
the reception which we can offer upon your visit to our 
commercial City, for there no foreign army awaits your 
coming — no hostile flag waves upon the breeze ; but the 
citizen soldier, and the martial strains of our native music, 
mingled with the shouts of an assembled multitude, will 
present to you a welcome as sincere and cordial as the 
minds of freemen can conceive, or the overflowing of their 
hears express ; for, although we are a stirring, active peo- 
ple, eager in the pursuit of business and of wealth, yet we 
can turn aside from the dull routine of daily avocations, 
to welcome a distinguished stranger, and testify by our 
actions, that, although republics are said to be ungrateful, 
in the present day there remains that natural pride and 
devoted patriotism, which would shrink from withholding 
the right hand of fellowship from one so intimately iden- 
tified with our country's glory, and whose life has been 
devoted to the protection of its honor and its fame. 

Far distant be that day when the people of our City 
shall so far forget their own honor and true dignity of 
character, as to turn their backs upon the acknowledged 
bravery of one, the record of whose life will cast a halo of 
glory around the history of our country, upon which in 
future ages, generations yet unborn, will love to linger. 



36 

and as the hoary head of age recounts the battles you 
have fought, the dangers you have passed, and the victo- 
ries you have won, the sparkling tear of gratitude will 
kindle in the youthful eye, and animate his soul to deeds 
of daring and of valor — for your life, sir, will present to 
the ambitious soldier an example worthy of imitation, and 
fresh indeed will be his laurals, if, in the evening of his 
days, he can look back upon a career as brilliant as that 
of th€ conqueror of the capital of Mexico, whose pres- 
ence we this day hail with acclamations of gratitude, and 
welcome again with renewed evidences of our confidence, 
that with such a commander, and with a bold and cour- 
ageous soldiery, such as those who wept over your depar- 
ture at Vera Cruz, we may confidently hope that the flag 
of our country will remain untarnished, and whether upon 
the ocean or the land, at home or abroad, the stars of that 
flag will illumine the path of freedom throughout the 
world, and the terror of its stripes drive oppression from 
its standard. 

We hail you, then, most gallant General, as the honored 
guest of our City, and desire that you may feel and realize 
that you are surrounded by a grateful and confiding peo- 
ple, and who are as anxious to render this visit as pleasant 
and agreeable to yourself, as it will be gratifying to those 
by whose authority the invitation has been extended. 



This address was received wn'th the most enthusiastic 
huzzas, portraying the depth of feeling which animated 
ihose present for the brave and gallant hero. 

General Scott made the following reply : 



Mr. President, gentlemen of the Common Council of 
New York, and fellow citizens generally: Designing to 
spend quietly a few days in this neighborhood, 1 have, on 
your kind demand, come forth from retirement, to surren- 
der myself a prisoner into the hands of my friends. The 
grand City of New York, already the emporium of our 
hemisphere, and destined to become the emporium of botli 
— having determined, through her authorities, to do honor 
to a public servant of our country — true to her own great- 
without measuring his little merit, performs that generous 
office in a manner worthy of herself and of the United 
States. 

If I had looked to considerations merely personal, I 
should have declined the high distinction tendered me, but 
I knew I was to be received by you as the representative 
of that victorious army it was so lately my good fortune to 
command — an army that has carried the glory of Ameri- 
can arms to a height that has won universal admiration, 
and the gratitude of all hearts at home. 

A very large portion of the rank and file of that army, 
regulars and volunteers, went forth from <he City of New 
York, to conquer or to die. It was my happy lot to wit- 
ness their invincible valor and prowess. All dangers, dif- 
ficulties and hardships, were met and conquered. 

You have been pleased, sir, to allude to our adopted cit- 
izens. I can say that the Irish, the Germans, the Swiss, 
the French, the Britons, and other adcpted citizens, fought 
in the same ranks, under the same colors, side by side with 
native born Americans — exhibiting like courage and effi- 



38 

ciency, and uniting- at every victory in the same enthusias- 
tic shouts in honor of our flag and country. From Vera 
Cruz to the capital of Mexico, there was one generous ri- 
vahy in heroic daring and brilliant achievement. Let 
those who witnessed that career of valor and patriotism, 
say, if they can, what race, according to numbers, con- 
tributed most to the general success and glory of the cam- 
paign. On the many hard fought battle-fields there was no 
room for invidious distinction — all proved themselves the 
faithful sons of our beloved country, and no spectator could 
fail to dismiss any lingering prejudice he might have en- 
tertained as to the comparative merits of Americans by 
birth and Americans by adoption. As the honored repre- 
sentative of all, I return among you, to bear testimony in 
favor of my fellow brothers in the field — the army of Mex- 
ico — and I congratulate you and them, that the common 
object of their efforts, and of your hopes, the restoration of 
peace, is in all probability, now attained. 



Cheer on cheer, of the most enthusiastic kind, rent the 
air at the conclusion of the General's reply. 

A salute was then fired, the band on board struck up 
a national air, and the boat left the wharf on her return to 
the City. 

The General was humediately after conducted by the 
Committee of Arrangements, to the upper saloon, where 
the invited guests of the Common Council, were in turn 
presented to him, by Morris Franklin, Esq., President of 
the Board of Aldermen. 



39 

Soon after the conclusion of this ceremony, a most in- 
teresting event occurred, being the singing of the following 
lines, by James W. Woodruff, Esq., of Elizabethtownr 
assisted by others, and wliich was composed by him, im- 
promptu, for the occasion : 

A few brief months have passed away 

Since the General left our shore, 
Determined not to spare a day, 

Till he reached the seat of war. 
And when the hero did arrive, 

He found them on the spot. 
The New York boys were all alive 

To welcome General Scott. 

Oh, Winfield Scott, 
You ne'er shall be forgot, 
Though absent from us you may be. 
You ne'er shall be forgot. 

New Jersey boys, they came up too. 

To take him by the hand ; 
The Yankee Volunteers, " true blue," 

Were another gallant band. 
At Vera Cruz, a few miles off. 

Bright shone their golden spires ; 
They marched up to their battlements ; 

They could not stand our fires. 

Oh, W^infield Scott, &c. 

The blazing steel was pointed out, 

Their hearts so light and free. 
When you rose up and gave a sh&ut,. 

" March on to victory ! 
6 



40 

Now blaze away at the capital, 

And in a few short hours 
They shall surrender us their all. 

For Vera Cruz is ours !" 

Oh, Winfield Scott, &c. 

And when possession you had got, 

The Mexicans looked shy ; 
The stars and stripes were soon unfurled, 

And floating mountain high, 
Our army cried out with a shout, 

" We do not fear the foe ; 
But give us General Winfield Scott, 

And we'll take Mexico !" 

Oh, Winfield Scott, &c. 

Welcome home to his native land, 
The gallant hero of his band, 
Who faced the storm, and feared it not, 
The brave, the honored Winfield Scott. 

You are now landed safe at home. 

Around your own fire-side, 
With wife and kindred, all your own, 

And friends' arms open wide ; 
Your battles fought, the victory's won. 

You need not ask for more, 
You are a second Washington ; 

You're welcome to our shore. 

Oh, Winfield Scott, &c. 



u 

Wc now soon must leave yon, 

And to onr homes will go ; 
Our hearts and hands we'll give yon, 

Hero of Mexico. 
We soon will bid a short adieu, 

But hope to meet again. 
Your friends will always welcome, too, 

The hero of Lundy's Lane. 

Oh, Winfield Scott, &c. 

As the boat swept on her way to the City, she was sa- 
luted at numerous points by groups of people, who had 
gathered on either margin of the kilns, with the waving of 
handkerchiefs and other demonstrations of respect and re- 
joicing. At the Sailor's Snug Harbor, she received a cheer 
from the united voices of its invalid inmates, who were 
drawn up in line in front of the hospital, which told that 
the gallant deeds of the brave hero on board were known 
and admired by them. 

Passing on, after receiving national salutes from Fort 
Hamilton, and from Castle William, as well as from the 
numerous craft in the harbor and river, she returned about 
2 o'clock p. M. to the pier at 

CASTLE GARDEN. 

After a short delay, the General landed, under a national 
salute, fired by the Fourth Light Artillery, Col. Yates, under 
the direction of Brigadier General Morris, and was escorted 
into the saloon of the garden by the Committee of Ar- 
rangements, and the remaining members of the Common 
Council, followed by the distinguished persons who were 
on board. 



42 

Immediately on his appearance, he was received by the 
vast assemblage within, with shouts of applause, which 
were repeated and continued for a long time. 

After being conducted to the stage, on which were the 
members of the Common Council, wearing rosettes and 
badges commemorative of the occasion, and their invited 
guests, and order being restored, he was received by Morris 
Franklin, Esq., as acting Mayor of the City, and welcomed 
to the hospitalities thereof, in the following address : — 

Sir : — In the absence of the Chief Executive of this City, 
the pleasing duty devolves on me, as acting Mayor, to con- 
gratulate you on your return to your home, and to the 
circle of your affectionate and your confiding friends. 

It would be u nnecessary on an occasion like this, to di- 
late on the noble traits which are characteristic of your 
history, for they are emblazoned in colors of living light 
on the proudest tablet in the niche of fame. 

And now, fellow-citizens, you have before you the hero 
of Chippewa, of Queenstown, of Lundy's Lane, and the 
conqueror of Vera Cruz and the Capital of Mexico, and it re- 
mains for you to say, whether you will receive and wel- 
come him as the guest of our patriotic and noble City, and 
for the purpose of testing this, I propose that all who are 
in favor of receiving him as such, will signify by saying^ 
aye- 
One universal aye burst from the immense assemblage — 
after which, Mr. Franklin, turning to the General, contin- 
ued as follows : 



43 

General Scott : — Yoa are now the guest of the City 
you have surrendered to the entreaties of your fellow-citi- 
zens, and we shall celebrate the victory in such a way as 
will satisfy you and them, that we appreciate the services 
of one of the best and noblest sons connected with the 
great American family. 



The cheering-, on the conclusion of the address, from 
all parts of the immense saloon was such as is seldom 
heard within its walls, and it denoted how fervently the 
words of welcome extended to the General by the acting 
Mayor, were responded to by the citizens of the metropo- 
lis of the Union. 

The cheering having subsided, and order being restored 
General Scott replied in the following words : 

Friends and fellow- citizens : — You have indeed made 
me welcome. You have indeed made me happy, and I am 
exceedingly happy to be in the hands of my fellow-citi- 
zens of New York, a city with which I have been long ac- 
quainted ; a city in which my lot has been cast for a por- 
tion of thirty years of my life, in and around it, as well as 
on the frontiers of this great Empire State. I am in your 
hands, and most happy am I to be a prisoner with you. 
From the warm and generous greeting which you have 
giv^cn me, I feel that yoa have done no more than justice 
for the poor services which I have done my country, and 
for all that you have thought proper to do I again return 
you my thanks, I am too much overwhelmed to say more 



than to thank you kindly, to thank you sincerely for your 
kind reception. 



The enthusiasm of the assemblage again burst forth, as 
the General concluded his reply, with renewed cheering, 
which continued until he left the saloon, followed by his 
aids and the members of the Common Council, for the 

BATTERY. 

At the outer entrance of the garden, the General was 
met by Major General Sandford, Brigadier Generals Storms, 
Morris, Hall and Ewen, with their respective staifs, and, 
he and his aids having mounted the horses in readiness 
for them, provided by the Committee of Arrangements, 
from thence proceeded to review the line of military 
drawn up on the Battery, under the command of Major 
General Sandford. 

On returning, after passing along the lines, the greatest 
enthusiasm was displayed on the part of the several regi- 
ments — cheer on cheer, as the gallant hero rode by, burst 
forth from their ranks — cheering in which all, officers and 
men, joined, and which testified the admiration of the cit- 
izen soldiery of New York, for the man and the officer who 
liad marked out the path of victory to the valiant spirits of 
the army, from Vera Cruz to Cerro Gordo, from Cherubusco 
and Chapultepec to Mexico. 

The review being concluded, the line of military broke 
into column, and the 



45 

PROCESSION 

moved in the order and through the several streets as laid 
down in the Programme of Arrangements for the day, to the 

PARK. 

Arrived there, the General dismounted, and after a brief 
delay, received a marching salute from the whole division 
of the military, formed in front of the City Hall. He then 
proceeded, with the members of the Common Council, and 
several of the prominent officers of the railatary, and of the 
army and navy, as well as a number of distinguished indi- 
viduals, to the Governor's room, from whence, after re- 
ceiving the congratulations of those present, he was escor- 
ted to the Astor House. 

His reception by the citizens was most enthusiastic. From 
every point — from the stoops and balconies, the windows 
and housetops of the numerous buildings on the streets 
through which the procession moved, the warmest greet- 
ings of welcome met him on the part of the thousands of 
both sexes, and of all ages that lined and crowded the 
same. 

In the evening, the General was received by the officers 
of the military of this City, at the Astor House. 

On the succeeding day, Friday, the General was waited 
upon by Aldermen Crolius and Franklin, and by them 
conducted to the City Hall, for the purpose of receiving 
the calls of the citizens in accordance with the notice 
published by the Committee of Arrangements. 



46 

Immediately after his entrance into the 

GOVERNOR'S ROOM, 

The General was addressed by Alderman Crolius as fol- 
lows : 

General Scott — In performing the duty which has de- 
volved upon me as Chairman of the Committee of Recep- 
tion, I cannot withhold the expression of the gratification 
I feel, as one born in the City, and who has grown up 
with its growth, and all whose interests are identified with 
it — I cannot but hail in you one who is justly regarded as 
the first living soldier of our country, the especial advocate 
and champion of peace. It is in this respect that this 
City, whose welfare is mainly dependent upon the preser- 
vation of friendly relations with all the world, especially 
welcomes you ; preferring, as we do, to the brightest lau- 
rels of war, the olive branch of peace. 

These remarks were received with shouts of applause 
from those present. 



The General made the following reply thereto : 

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Common Coun- 
cil — My obligations to the City of New York are known 
to you all ; but the kind reception of the Common Council, 
and of the inhabitants of this great emporium of commerce, 
has bound me to it for ever. Had my life been twice as 
long — had my services been treble what they have been — 
had my sufferings been multiplied, no matter by what 



47 

fig-ure — all would have been more than compensated by 
the generous welcome you have given me. 

In the growth of this great City, I have felt myself 
much interested. It may not be known to many of you 
present, that since the termination of the last war with 
Great Britain, now thirty-four years, I have resided a por- 
tion of every year, with the exception of four or five, 
among you. I am identified with its welfare. It was on 
the frontier of your State tliat I first drew my maiden 
blade. The first honors I ever received, were from the 
hands of the Legislature of this Empire State ; well, then, 
may it be believed, that every pulsation of my heart beats 
in unison with her well-being. Happily New York has 
secured her own prosperity, by the industry of her own 
intelligent inhabitants. Her natural advantages are, in- 
deed, unsurpassed. The broad ocean in front — a wide 
river penetrating through mountains, deep into her in- 
terior — her net work of railroads and canals checquering 
her surface ; while on the other hand, the vast lakes 
stretching to the heart of the great and growing west, 
secure to her an indefinite and almost unlimited progress. 
An extension of these advantages, by the further aid of 
internal improvements (Illinois has already done her part), 
some little aid from the General Government which is due 
to such efforts, and New York may challenge the world 
for a rival. This is all, with the preservation of peace, 
that is necessary to complete her greatness. 

Though I am a soldier, and therefore supposed to be 
fond of fighting, I abhor war, except when prosecuted in 
the defence of our country, or for the preservation of its 
honor, or of some great, important, nay, cardinal interest. 



48 

I hold vrar to be a great moral evil. It must be for good 
and substantial reasons, for no forced or false pretext, 
however plausibly set forth, that war can warrantably be 
wag-ed, or that can justify one man in shedding" the blood 
of his fellow being-. The interests of New York, and of 
our whole country, are identified with peace and with 
every duty of Christian morality. I doubt if there be any 
member of that respectable body of our fellow-citizens, the 
Friends, who is a more zealous advocate for peace. Un- 
happily, too much of my life has been spent on the field 
of battle. Let us, then, maintain our peace by all honor- 
able efforts — by such efforts as Washington, the father of 
our country, made, to establish and to preserve a system of 
equal and impartial neutrality — a system which some of 
his most distinguished successors, even lo a recent period, 
have commended, with the entire approbation of the 
American people. 

And now, Mr. Chairman, in offering again my thanks 
to your Common Council, and to the inhabitants of your 
city, which have made an old soldier's heart to throb with 
gratitude, and caused him to forget all his toils, all his 
hardships, all his suffering of mind and body, I desire to 
acknowledge to yourself, especially, and to the gentlemen 
of both Boards, who compose your Committee, the obliga- 
tions you have imposed upon me by your kind and gra- 
cious attentions. Thanks, my warmest thanks, I return 
through you to the inhabitants of this City. 



After the cheering, which followed the reply of the 
General, had subsided, the ceremonies of introducing to 



49 

him the citizens was proceeded with, and thousands avail- 
ed themselves of the opportunity of taking; by the hand 
the distinguished Commander of the Army, which had 
won for itself and for its country on the soil of Mexico, 
the brilliant victories of Cerro Gordo, Chmubusco and 
Mexico. 

The crowd of citizcnis continued to increase unitl 12 
o'clock, the hour limited for the occasion, when prepara- 
tions were made for presenting a silver 

MEDAL 

in behalf of the municipal authorities of the City, to its 
illustrious guest. 

Order having been obtained, Alderman Franklin, with 
the medal in his hand, addressed the Geneial as follows: 

General Scott — I am requested, on behalf of the Com- 
mon Council of our City, to present for your acceptance a 
medal, whicli they caused to be prepared, commemorative 
of the battles of Chapultepec, Churubusco, Cerro Gordo, 
and Vera Cruz, to be presented to the survivors of that 
gallant band of volunteers from our own State, who, under 
your command, were eminently successful in maintaining 
the honor of our flag, and achieving glorious and trium- 
phant victories. 

We present this to you, sir, not on account of any in- 
trinsic value which it possesses, but in the hope that, when 
your eye rests upon this memento of our confidence and 
esteem, it may serve to call up recollections which will 
bring around you the noble spirits of those who, with 
yourself, sacrificed the comforts of home, and all the en- 



50 

dearments of domestic life, and, listening only to the call 
of duty and (heir country, rallied around the standard 
which you have gloriously sustained, and which now 
floats in triumph along the route of your victorious march. 

Take it, then, sir, and retain it as an evidence that the 
people of our City know how to appreciate the conduct of 
those who have done good service in their cause ; and 
who, hy the blessing of an overruling Providence, have 
been preserved from dangers upon the right hand and 
upon the left, and are again permitted to mingle in their 
social and domestic relations. Keep it, sir, so long as 
your valuable life shall be spared to a grateful and admir- 
ing people; and when your last battle shall have been 
fought, and you are obliged to surrender to the king of 
terrors, transmit it to your children as an assurance that 
the people of our City hold in grateful remembrance the 
many valiant exploits which their parent has achieved, 
and that they may cherish with recollections of filial grati- 
tude, the memory of his virtues and his worth. 



The large assemblage of citizens present manifested 
their cordial approval of this token of respect and admira- 
tion for the gallant Hero, in loud aud long continued 
applause. 

General Scott having received the medal, in reply said : 

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Common Coun- 
cil — It is with feelings of great pleasure that I receive 
this memento of your esteem and respect for the services 
which have been rendered by an old soldier. I shall keep 
it and prize it more than gold and precious stones. 



51 

I thank you for all the kindness you have shown me, 
and will again say that you have more than compensated 
me for all my services. In the late campaign , it was my 
good fortune to command the victorious army — a large 
portion of which was from this City — who fought bravely, 
and rushed on to victory. They were a brave and pat- 
riotic band, and proved themselves worthy of their coun- 
try's honor. From this day you may enrol me as a New 
York Volunteer, for I am, indeed, a New York Volunteer. 
I take this medal, sir, and will wear it next my heart. 



The following is a description of the medal : 

It is struck from fine silver, about two inches in diame- 
ter, and of the weight of two ounces. 

On the reverse side is a female figure, the head of which 
is surrounded with stars, representing the genius of Amer- 
ica, grasping in her right hand the fulman and pointing 
with her left to the rising sun — while her left foot is rest- 
ing upon the cactus and the Mexican serpent lying pros- 
trate beneath the American eagle — mountains form the 
back-ground, the palm indicating the South, and a walled 
city representing Vera Cruz, with the American shipping 
in the harbor. The figure rests on the stern of a Roman 
galley, which is intended to represent the naval power of 
the United States, and around the whole are the words 
"Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec and Churubusco." 

On the obverse side is a new and beautiful arrangement 
of the City Coat-of-arms, designed by Mr. Chapman, with 
the marginal inscription — " Presented by the City of New 
York to Major General Winfield Scott." 



52 

The ceremonies of the reception of the citizens, and the 
presentation of the medal in tlje Governor's room, being 
concluded, the General was escorted by the Committee of 
Arrangements to the keeper's roomof the City Hall, from 
whence, after a short delay, the Committee, with the 
remaining members of the Common Council, proceeded 
with liim in carriages on a visit to several of the public 
institutions of the City. 

THE NEW YORK INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND, 

situated on the Ninth avenue, between Thirty-third and 
Thirty-fourth streets, was the first one visited. 

The company arrived there at about two o'clock, and 
having alighted from the several carriages, they were 
received at the principal entrance by James F. Chamber- 
lain, Esq., Superintendent of the Institution, and several 
of its managers, by whom they were escorted through the 
work- shops and other parts of the building to tiie chapel, 
which was tastefully decorated with American flags and 
several banners, upon one of which was the inscription : 

"MEXICO." 

"welcome to general SCOTT." 

While others bore the names of the principal battles of 
the General, on the frontier and in Mexico. 

General Scott, together with the members of the Com- 
mon Council and those accompanying them, having been 
conducted to the platform in the west end of the chapel, 
was then introduced to the pupils of the Institution by Mr. 
Chamberlain, the Superintendent, in the following address : 



53 

My pupils and friends — I have the honor of present- 
ing" to you one of the most distinguislied men of the age, 
General Winfield Scott. Allow me, sir, on behalf of 
the managers, the otficers, and the pupils of this institution, 
to bid you a sincere and cordial welcome. Although cut 
off from many sources of information enjoyed by our fel- 
low countrymen, with the history of your life, identified 
as it is with some of the brightest pages of our country's 
fame, we are not unacquainted. We have heard of Fort 
Erie, and of the heights of Queenstown ; of the plains of 
Chippewa, and the sanguinary contest of Lundy's Lane. 
With our fingers we have traced the progress of that brave 
army, which from the storming of Vera Cruz to the capture 
of Mexico, you have led to triumph and to glory ; and we 
have heard, too, that when the " red field was won," and 
patriotism Iiad shealhcd her victorious sword, the claims 
of humanity were not forgotten. We have heard that the 
same heart, which in the iron tempest of battle was firm 
as adamant, could dissolve in tenderest sympathy by the 
couch of the wounded and the dying. All this, sir, we 
have heard, and while we have not admired the hero less 
we have loved the man more. It is for this, sir, that we 
cherish the name of Winfield Scott, one of the noblest 
names that Fame has ever inscribed upon our national 
escutcheon. 

" One of the few, the immortal names, 
That were not born to die." 

But I am reminded that of these precious moments, but 
very few can be accorded to us, and liefore we bid you 
adieu, I would have one boon in behalf of my sightless 



54 

charge. Some of these, when you shall have filled up the 
measure of your fame, and to you the praise and the cen- 
sure of man shall be alike indifferent, will survive ; and 
when they shall recount your achievments, and tell to 
coming- generations of Chippewa, and of Cerro Gordo, and 
of Contreras, and the many other fields where you have 
covered the proud flag of our country with imperishable 
glory, I would have them say too, that once, at least, it 
was their fortune to listen to the tones of that voice, whose 
word of command was ever to the brave the talisman of 
assured victory. 

To which the General replied in the following words : 

Mr. Principal, Friends, and Young Ladies and Gen- 
tlemen — I am deeply afi'ected while standing in this 
place. I have stood upon the battle field, when the cries 
of the wounded went up from every quarter, and death 
made desolation in our ranks; but they failed to create the 
feeling which I now have. I know not that I have ever 
been so deeply affected as I now am, while standing in 
the midst of this enlightened, though sightless assembly. 
Some years ago while in Washington, in the House of 
Representatives, I saw several of the pupils of this institu- 
tion and their work, which excited my wonder and appro- 
bation. My young friends, you have teachers that have 
shown you the beauties of the Christian religion, and I 
know you have drunk from that pure spring. I have stood 
upon the field when the fight raged, but in all my rela- 
tions of life I have never forgotten my duties to my God. 
I would say more, but am overcome ; I am too much af- 
fected. May God bless you all, my young and sightless 
friends. Again, I say, God bless you all. 



55 

On the conclusion of this reply, the band, composed of 
the pupils of the Institution, played a beautiful national 
air. 

The following lines, composed by Miss Frances J. Cros- 
by, formerly a pupil of and now attached to the institution, 
were then sung — all the pupils uniting in the same : 

Hark ! hark ! what merry shouts of joy, 

Proclaim a conqueror near ; 
He comes, a noble hero comes ; 

Oh, bid him welcome here. 

Brave General, thou hast nobly fought, 

Rest from thy toils awhile; 
Thy native land her arms extends, 

And greets thee with a smile. 

Yes, sheathe thy sword, for gentle Peace, 

Her silv'ry wings hath spread. 
Where thou to meet thy country's foe, 

A fearless band hast led. 

Hurrah, hurrah, for General Scott, 

His name we'll proudly sing ; 
The north, the south, the east, the west, 

Shall with his triumph ring. 

After the reciting of a dialogue by two little girls, which, 
from its simplicity and relation to their condition, caused 
tears to moisten the eyes of the brave warrior, as well as 
those of the other visitors present, and the reading by one 



56 

of the pupils, of several paragraphs, with great proficiency, 
from a hook used in the institution, printed in raised let- 
ters, the General was addressed by Miss Crosby in the 
following beautiful manner : 

Hail, son of Columbia ! the patriot flame 
Burns bright in each breast while we tell of thy fame; 
We have heard of the deeds thou so nobly hast done — 
We have heard of thy battles, so fearlessly won. 

Thou hast carried our flag to a far distant shore; 
Now it streams from its towers — San Juan d'Ulloa ; 
And the eagle hath perched on those battlements high, 
To rest in his course through the blue ether sky. 

When the war-cloud hung dark, 'twas thy voice that 

inspired, 
And the hearts of thy soldiers with energy fired ; 
The foremost in battle, the fearless in fight. 
While thy lance in the sunbeam was glittering bright. 

In the halls of Mont'zuma now revel the brave, 
'Tis thine arm that hath conquered the Mexican slave ; 
Thou hast buried thy sword in the enemy's breast; 
They quailed at thy glance — thou hast laid them at rest. 

A prey to the vultures that thirsted for gore, 
They fell by its town, St. Juan d'Ulloa ; 
And the raven's wild screech will their requiem be. 
While around them is floating the song of the free. 



57 

The bugle is hushed, and the cannon's loud roar 
Shall wake thee from slumber to battle no more ; 
Thy hand we now grasp, and we hail thee with pride — 
Huzza for the heroes who fought by thy side. 

Yes, welcome, thrice welcome, again and again — 
With transport unbounded we echo the strain ; 
Thy triumphs so glorious, shall ne'er be forgot — 
Hurrah for our patriot, the brave General Scott. 

The General deeply moved by these manifestations of 
kindness and respect towards him, replied, that there was no 
reveling on the occasion of the American army coming 
into possession of the Capital, but that on bended knee they 
sought the blessing of God, and thanked Him for the pro- 
tection afforded them throughout the campaign. 

After other interesting ceremonies, the General took 
leave of the pupils of the institution in a few appropriate 
words, and the band having struck up a beautiful air, the 
company left the room, and were soon afterwards on their 
way for the 

DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTION, 

located on Fiftieth street, between the Fourth and Fifth 
avenues, where they arrived about three o'clock, p.m. 

On proceeding into the hall of the building, the General 
was received by H. Prindle Peet, Esq., Principal of the 
Institution,and by him introduced to several of its managers, 
and a number of ladies, who were present on the occasion. 



58 

He was then conducted to tlie chapel of the institution, 
where he was received by the pupils, with the liveliest 
demonstrations of rejoicing, manifested by the waving- of 
handkerchiefs by the girls and clapping of hands by the 
boys. 

Order being restored, the following address was made 
to the General by the Principal : 

General Scott — I am happy to avail myself of the 
opportunity afforded by the invitation of the Common 
Council to visit our City, to tender to you, in behalf of the 
institution with which I have the honor to be connected, 
a sincere and cordial welcome. 

We of this community, are separated, both by necessity 
and choice, from the direful trade of war, and devoted to 
the acquisition of knowledge, and the cultivation of the 
domestic and social virtues. We, nevertheless, participate 
in the admiration expressed by your fellow-citizens, for 
the brilliant exploits achieved by the army of Mexico, 
under your direction and control. The victories you have 
won, in the whole line of your march from Vera Cruz to 
your triumphal entrance into the City of Mexico, great 
and splendid as they are, and hereafter to be associated 
with the spirit stirring memories aroused by the mention 
of Bunker Hill, and Trenton and Yorktown, do not of 
themselves constitute tlie only claim to our respect and 
gratitude. The science and skill employed in arranging 
and conducting the campaign which resulted in such bril- 
liant success, the solicitude and care to protect and preserve 
the lives of your men, the humanity exhibited for the sick 
and the wounded, and the consummate wisdom displayed, 



59 

in halting your entiiusiastic columns before the City of 
Mexico, the great object of their desires, when flushed 
with victor}-, lest by any excesses the)^ might tarnish their 
well-earned glory, have won for you the confidence of the 
army, the respect and love of your countrymen, and can- 
not fail to enhance your historic fame. 

Your visit here to-day, will make an epoch in the lives 
of these children and youth. It will form a topic of con- 
versation, and an item of intelligence to their friends, and 
will serve to increase their interest in the history of your 
achievements. 

To which the General replied in the words following : 

Mr. Principal — I have received no welcome, since my 
return, which has afforded me more satisfaction than that 
which I now receive and have just received. It is here 
that civilization shines forth in all the beauties of Christi- 
anity. I am deeply affected with the proceedings of the 
day, and return my hearty thanks for this kind reception 
on the part of this interesting company, not forgetting 
the ladies, who welcomed me with the waving of their 
handkerchiefs. 

After several interesting exercises on the part of the pu- 
pils, girls and boys, which exhibited great proficiency in 
them, as well as calling forth the admiration of the Gen- 
eral and the company present, he was conducted to the 
dining-room of the institution, on the lower floor, where 
a sumptuous entertainment had been provided for the occa- 
sion. 



60 

On ils conclusion the General took leave of the Principal 
and others of the Institution, and of the ladies present, 
expressing- himself greatly delighted with his visit thereto. 

It was the intention of the Committee of Arrangements 
to visit the Nurseries on Randall's Island, the High-bridge, 
and several other places of interst in the City, with the 
General, but on account of having received orders from 
the War Department at Washington, to repair to Freder- 
icksburgh, without delay, he was compelled to forego the 
same. 

The Committee of Arrangements then escorted him to 
his quarters at Julien's hotel, from whence they took a 
most cordial and affectionate leave of him. He was soon 
after on his way, that afternoon, for Fredericksburgh. 

The preamble and resolutions which were adopted by 
the Common Council, were subsequently, by the direction 
of the Committee, beautifully engrossed by A. Wheeler, 
Esq., of this City, with a most correct likeness of the Gen- 
eral, executed with a pen by the same gentleman, in the 
centre thereof. 

They were subsequently placed in a richly ornamented 
frame, encircled with an oaken wreath, and ornamented 
with the insignia of war, manufactured by Messrs. Wil- 
liams and Stevens, of this City, and presented to General 
Scott. 

On the occasion of the presentation, the Committee ad- 
dressed the General the following letter: — 



61 

City Hall, New York, ) 
March 14, 1849. \ 

Dear General: — The Joint Special Committee ap- 
pointed under the preamble and resolutions adopted by the 
Common Council of this City, on the 16th day of May, 
1848, for the purpose of making- suitable arrangements for 
your reception on the occasion of your arrival here from 
your late brilliant campaign in Mexico, and to extend to 
you the hospitalities of the City, have deemed it fitting' to 
cause said preamble and resolutions to be engrossed and 
framed for the object of presentation to you. 

In the performance of this portion of their duty, they take 
the opportunity of expressing to you the high regard which 
they, and their fellow-members, entertain for your distin- 
guished services in the fields of American glory, " from 
Lundy'sLane to the City of the Montezumas," as well as 
for your worth as a citizen of our common country. 

They pray your acceptance of the same, accompanied 
herewith, and 

With assurances of high respect. 

They remain your obedient serv'ts, 

WASHINGTON SMITH,\ 

CLARKSON CROLIUS, ] 

WM. W. FREAM, j 

MOSES MAYNARD, Jr./ 

ALEX. H. SCHULTZ, [ Joi7it Special 

JOHN R. PAXTON. I Committee of 

AMOS F. HATFIELD, f the Common 

JOSEPH BRITTON, [ Council. 

NATHAN A. SUTTON, 

NEIL GRAY, 

MORRIS FRANKLIN, 

WILSON SMALL, 

To Major General Winfield Scott. 



62 

The following- answer thereto was subsequently received 
from the distinguished commander of the army of Mexico : 

New York, March 31, 1849. 

Gentlemen : — Under the highly complimentary resolu- 
tions of the Honorable the Common Council of the City 
of New York, and your zealous management, as a Com- 
mittee, I had, in May last — returning from a foreign coun- 
try — the happiness of a most brilliant reception by the au- 
thorities, the citizens and volunteer troops of the emporium 
of America. 

The resolutions, beautifully engrossed and framed, with 
a pen likeness of myself in the centre, I found, a day or 
two since, hanging up in my quarters — placed there by 
your continued attentions. 

This memorial, in behalf of one New York has been 
pleased to consider as having done well in the service of 
our common country, will ever be highly considered by 
him and those whom he may leave behind, and gentlemen, 
thanking you for your kind letter, 

I have the honor to subscribe myself. 

Your friend and fellow-citizen, 

WINFIELD SCOTT. 

To Aldermen and Assistant Aldermen, Clarkson Cro- 
lius, William W. Fream, Moses Maynard, Jr., Alexander 
H. Schultz, John R. Paxton, Amos F. Hatfield, Joseph 
Britton, Washington Smith, Nathan A. Sutton, Neil Gray, 
Morris Franklin and Wilson Small, 

Committee &.C., &c. 



63 

The Committee in reporting- a history of their proceed- 
ings and of the ceremonies on the occasion of the reception 
of the gallant and patriotic hero of Mexico, would take the 
opportunity of tendering- their thanks 

To Major General Sandford, Brigadier Generals 
Storms, Morris, Hall and Ewen, and to the military in 
g-eneral, for the prompt and admirable manner in which 
they seconded their arrangements. 

To Isaac Newton, Esq., for his kind and generous offer 
of the steamboat " St. Nicholas," for the use of the Com- 
mittee. 

To Messrs. French and Heiser, of Castle Garden, for 
the liberal use of tlie garden on the occasion. 

To the Superintendent of the New York Blind Institu- 
tion, and 

To the Principal of the Deaf and Dumb Institution, for 
the civilities and attentions shown to the distinguished 
guest of the City, on the occasion of his visits thereto. 

To George W. Matsell, Esq., Chief of Police, for his 
eflScient police arrangements, and to his aids and the police 
in general, for the excellent manner in which the same 
were carried out. 

And to all others, who in any way assisted the Com- 
mittee on the occasion in carrying out the several arrange- 
ments thereof. 



64 



Tlie Committee will conclude with the following' beautiful 
and noble lyric, called the 

"Solbitr's inacome fjome," 

written on the occasion of the General's return, by George 
P. Morris, and admirably sung at the 

BROADWAY TABERNACLE, 

on the evening of the day of tlie reception, by Mr. Nash, 
assisted by a chorus of upwards of a thousand voices. 

It was received with great enthusiasm, and truly ex- 
presses the deep hold that the " hero of two wars" has 
upon the feelings and affections of his countrj'^men. 



Victorious the Hero 

Returns from the wars ; 
His brow bound with laurels 

That never will fade. 
While streams the free standard 

Of stripes and of stars. 
Whose field in the battle 

The foemen dismayed. 

When the Mexican hosts 
In their madness came on, 

Like a tower of strength 
In his might he arose ! 



Where danger most tlireatoned, 
His banner was borne, 

Waving- bope to his friends 
And despair to liis foes. 

Chorus : 

Huzza — huzza — huzza ! 

The Hero for ever ! 
Whose fame is the glory 

And pride of the land ! 



II. 

The Soldier of Honor 

And Liberty, hail ! 
His deeds in the temple 

Of Fame are enrolled ; 
His precepts, like flower seeds 

Sown by the gale, 
Take root in the hearts 

Of the valiant and bold. 

The warrior's escutcheon 

His foes seek to blot. 
But vain are the efforts 

Of partisan bands, 
For freemen will render 

Full justice to Scott, 
And welcome him home 

With their hearts in their hands. 



66 

Chorus : 

Huzza — huzza — huzza ! 

The Hero for ever ! 
Wliose fame is the glory 

And pride of our land ! 

All of which is respectfully submitted, 

CLARKSON CROLIUS, 

MOSES MAYNARD, Jr. 

AMOS F. HATFIELD, 

WASHINGTON SxMITH, 

NEIL GRAY, I Joint Special 

MORRIS FRANKLIN, I Committee of 

WM. W. FREAM, f the Common 

ALEX. H. SCHULTZ, 1 Council. 

JOHN R. PAXTON. 

JOSEPH BRITTON, 

NATHAN A. SUTTON, 

WILSON SMALL, 



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